Plum Valley Cowboys Book 5: Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 5

Mr. Right wasn’t expecting Mx. Tall, Dark, and Beautiful.

Bo

Being out and proud as a nonbinary person didn’t come easy, but I’ve finally found my place. I have an amazing work family at the cabaret bar where I perform, Chicago fits me better than my Texas hometown ever did, and I’m truly happy.

Especially once Jameson walks into my life. Our new bartender accepts me effortlessly for who I am, and the man is more than easy on the eyes. In fact, the way he looks out for me is giving me all sorts of ideas, even though those cuddles were purely platonic. Weren’t they?

But I have more on my mind than finding Mr. Right. My brother Diesel won’t stop hounding me, which means it’s time to face the very thing I’ve been avoiding for years.

I need to return to Plum Valley and confront my past.

Jameson

I’ve never met anyone quite like Bo.

Every time they’re up on stage in their makeup and heels, I watch them. When that shy blush spreads over their cheeks off-stage, I stare. And when I find them crying in the storage room after a difficult conversation with their brother, I can’t help but soothe away their tears.

I always assumed I was only attracted to women, but suddenly, I’m questioning everything. Including my reaction to the sight of Bo in lingerie. I might have a lot to figure out, like whether or not Bo is interested in me. But I think it’s fairly safe to say…

I’m not as straight as I thought I was.

Courageous Hearts is an MX romance between a man and the enby he adores, with show tunes, love bites and lace, a pan-awakening, one jealousy-inducing bull ride, and a very HEA. It’s book 5 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63328204-courageous-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Bo’s turn! Bo has long left Plum Valley. As a kid growing up there, they weren’t the best person. In order to survive, they shoved down who they were to blend in. But eventually, they realized it was time to be who they were, even if that meant losing some family. Now, they are in Chicago doing what they love. All they are missing is Mr. Right. And that is exactly who they get. Jameson is awestruck the moment he meets Bo. And it doesn’t take him long to realize exactly what he is feeling toward them. He has been looking for his person and he has finally found them and he isn’t going to let Bo go. As Bo falls harder for Jameson, they realize it’s time to go home and confront the past. Because that is the only way to move forward. But can they do it? This was probably my favorite of the series so far! I loved Bo and Jameson’s dynamic. They were just so cute and perfect for one another. Exactly what the other was looking for. And they fought and showed up for one another. Just a really great story all around!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 4: Swan Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 4

Longtime friends. Blurred lines. And the secret that threatens it all.

Jake

There are three things my best friend Nash Dupree and I are good at. Fishing. Fighting. And another F-word that sure isn’t friendship.

Nash has been by my side for the last thirty years, but despite our long, complicated history, there are some things the town bartender still keeps close to his chest. And now those secrets are threatening to tear us apart.

That friend of mine may be running from his feelings and tackling ghosts only he can see, but I refuse to let him run away from me just because he’s scared.

I love that stubborn fool, and after everything we’ve been through, I’m not giving him up without a fight.

Nash

Since the moment I set eyes on Jake Hanson, he’s had his hook in me. No matter how hard I tried to keep the lines of our friendship from being muddled, I was powerless to resist his pull.

But the big-hearted veterinarian deserves more than I can give. And if he found out the truths I’ve been hiding, he’d see me as another pet project to doctor and mend.

I never meant for us to get so tangled together, and if we could go back to those simple days spent fishing out on my dock, oblivious to what the future had in store, maybe I could do things differently. Maybe then, I wouldn’t keep hurting Jake.

But I can’t erase my past mistakes. All I can do now is make things right. And hopefully, when I’m long gone from Plum Valley, Texas, Jake will finally understand the truth.

That he’s better off without me and always has been.

Swan Hearts is a friends-to-lovers romance spanning three decades and told in dual, alternating timelines of present and past. There’s mutual pining, an on-again/off-again dynamic, a good dose of angst, and one hard-fought HEA. It’s book 4 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61162397-swan-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Nash and Jake have been friends for thirty years. And a lot has happened in that time. Their friendship has transformed over the years to something more. But they have never let anyone know what’s between them. And their relationship tends to be push and pull. Never settling into the relationship both clearly want. So when Nash has pushed Jake away yet again, Jake needs to know what is going once and for all. The story bounces between the past and present. We get to see these two meet and how they fall for one another. And while Jake is the one all in, Nash is the one holding back. Because he has this deep fear that has truly impacted on how he lives his life. A fear that if he lets Jake in completely, then he will be leaving Jake behind in heartbreak. But the truth of the matter is that he’s hurting Jake by not telling him and not being honest about his fears. Have to say, hurt to watch Nash clearly being in love with Jake but have to push it down so hard. They could have had thirty years being completely together and happy. And while their lives together were happy, there was always something holding him back. Oof, get ready for the emotional whiplash of this story! But at least we get that well deserved happy ending.

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 3: Unconventional Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 3

One summer. Three men. The proposal that ropes them together.

Cooper

I came to Texas with a single goal: to find my bio-dad before the end of summer. Instead, I found Will, a spitfire of a man with sharp blue eyes and a swoon-worthy drawl. When he proposes adding benefits to our newfound friendship, I’m all in.

The problem? I’m smitten. With not one, but two men. Because Will has a friend that makes me smile like no other. My time in Plum Valley is coming to an end, but if I’m not careful, I’ll be leaving my heart behind when I go.

Will

Spending summer break back home with my best friend was not supposed to be complicated. But then Tru and I kissed, and for the first time, I don’t know where we stand. Now Cooper, the new ranch hand, is mixed up in matters, and I’m even less sure of what it all means.

The three of us fit together effortlessly, but I worry it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. I don’t know how to get out of this tangled mess, and truth be told, I’m not sure I want to.

Tru

To me, it’s simple. Will and I are exploring what it means to go from friends to more. But as an asexual man, there are certain activities I’m uninterested in. Will likes Cooper, and Cooper is all about Will. And me? I have no problem sharing.

But as summer ticks down, I learn a few lessons. One, I feel more at home in Plum Valley than anywhere else. Two, I’ve been harboring major feelings for Will. And three, Cooper’s infectious optimism isn’t something I’m ready to part with.

Time’s almost up. Yet I’m nowhere near ready to say goodbye.

Unconventional Hearts is a lighthearted poly romance between a Southern charmer with a hero complex, a blunt-as-can-be sweetheart who doesn’t need saving, and a lovable golden retriever of a man who has a song for every occasion. There is no cheating and one very HEA. It’s book 3 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60897289-unconventional-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Will’s turn! Kinda funny to go from book one where he was born and see him growing up to getting his own book now as an adult. Will is exactly the guy you expect after seeing him as a kid. Full of heart and standing up for those he loves. This adult Will is about to head home for the summer from college with his best friend by his side. A best friend who he has been having some feelings for, especially after they shared a recent kiss. Tru is asexual but that doesn’t mean he is looking for love. He just never imagined that the spark he rarely gets would be with his best friend. And he wants more of it. He also knows that he loves to see Will happy too. And when they first arrive in Texas and before they move their friendship to more, he sees how will looks at Cooper. The new guy on the farm. Cooper has come to Plum Valley to look for his father. He never knew the man, but after losing his mom earlier in the year, he wants to at least get some answers. What he never expects is to find Will and Tru. He immediately gets sparks of attraction with Will, especially after they hook up. But then there is Tru. And the more the friendship between them becomes stronger, the harder it is to remember that by end of summer he’ll be leaving. It may take these three a hot minute to figure what they are to one another and what they could be, but I loved seeing how the bond them form together gets stronger. The three of them worked together so well. No jealousy and no feeling left out. They fit in the way that made them all comfortable and were able to give one another exactly what they needed. Another great story in this series!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 2: Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 2

Can an inexperienced cowboy wrangle the adult movie star of his dreams?

Hawthorne

I’ve lived in the same small town my entire life. And I like it, for the most part: being a rancher, taking care of my chickens, and even my meddlesome family. What I don’t like are the limited dating options. I’m gay, and at thirty-six-years-old, I’ve never been with a man.

When I enter a contest to win my favorite adult entertainer’s support for our town’s first Pride Parade, I never expect to win. And I definitely never expect to find myself in a friends-with-benefits relationship with the man.

The problem is, I quickly realize I want more. But could someone as confident, sexy, and independent as Silver ever consider building a life with a simple cowboy like me?

Mateo

My work is my life. Filming under the moniker Silver, I’m happy enough. I’m making good money, I’m free from my crummy past, I’m well on my way to the career I actually dream about, and I’m not looking for any complications.

Enter Hawthorne Moore, with his sweet-as-molasses drawl, that adorable gap-toothed smile, and the beautiful way in which he begs, and suddenly, I find myself getting in too deep. And that’s a problem, because I’ve spent years building up these walls around my heart, and I don’t know how to bust them down.

Can I work through my trauma and lasso myself a cowboy, or will I lose the only man who’s ever loved me?

Virgin Hearts is a friends-with-benefits-to-more romance that includes a flirty performer, risqué photo shoots amongst peeping bovine, an endearing cowboy whose cock (ahem, rooster) rises at dawn, dom/sub undertones, and one very HEA. It’s book 2 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60636716-virgin-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It took Hawthorne a long time to figure out he was. Growing up in a town where being gay was treated with negativity was a big part of that. And watching his brother’s best friend be mistreated just added to it. But things have changed and are continuing to change. And with those changes, Hawthorne can be who he is. Though that doesn’t mean finding love is easy. So when his nephew wants to have throw the town’s first pride parade as a surprise to his dads, Hawthorne of course agrees. And when it comes to funding well he has a crazy idea. Enter a contest that his favorite adult entertainer is throwing with his company. Winning is a long shot…until it isn’t. And Hawthorne never expects to connect with the man behind the persona of Silver. Mateo is everything Hawthorne could want in a man. But can he convince Matteo to take a chance on them? Mateo never expected to have feelings for Hawthorne. He has always kept a wall up to avoid love for many reasons. But Hawthorne threatens to break them down bit by bit. And Mateo is truly helpless to stop it. So can he get past his trauma and let him fall for his cowboy? I really loved getting to know these two. Hawthorne is so sweet and definitely deserves someone to love him for who he is. And same for Mateo! His childhood was anything but nice and he has so done so much to overcome it. He definitely deserves the love that has always been denied to him. These two were just adorable and I loved watching them fall head over heels for one another!

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 1: Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders

 

Plum Valley Cowboys Book 1

Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades.

Wyatt

At twelve, he was my best friend. At sixteen, he became my crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man I’m still pining after.

Falling in love with Easton was never part of the plan. But now that I’ve done it, I can’t seem to stop. It doesn’t help that we’re living under the same roof. Or that Easton is so dang sweet I want to lick him from head to toe.

But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at me the way I see him. I want someone who can love me back. And I won’t be able to find that while I’m hung up on my best friend.

It’s time to find a way to say goodbye.

Easton

I always knew I was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids my age were hooking up, all I wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out our future. I didn’t need anyone else.

When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of me with him. When he returns at the moment I need him most, he helps me to heal and feel whole again. We have a good life now, Wyatt and I, best friends still after all these years.

So when I happen to catch my friend down on his knees in the barn, I don’t understand why, all of a sudden, I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. Now, I can’t stop wondering and wanting.

But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in my life?

Fool Hearts is a small-town, longtime friends to lovers romance with a whole lot of pining, a bi-awakening in a barn, swoon-worthy cowboys, a roller coaster of emotions, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60387417-fool-hearts

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Wyatt and Easton have been best friends their entire lives. Growing up together, nothing could tear them apart. You couldn’t find one without the other. So when Wyatt realized he was in love with Easton when they were teenagers, he wasn’t surprised. But he knew heartbreak was inevitable. Because Easton had never looked at him that way. And with their town making it clear they didn’t really like anyone who was anything but straight, Wyatt knew that one day he would have to leave. Wyatt and Easton’s love story spans over years. The ups and downs of so many life events. Like when Easton actually looked at someone and fell in love and it wasn’t Wyatt. Like Wyatt leaving when he knew he couldn’t stay and watch his best friend be with someone else and the town finding out Wyatt was gay. But despite the obstacles, they held close to one another. Especially when there comes a day when Easton needs Wyatt to come home. Despite the years going by with these two being nothing more than friends, it becomes oh so satisfying when that day finally arrives. Because it is clear that these two were always meant to be together. It just took them a bit to get to that point at the same time. But I loved their friendship and how it developed into so much more. It was a deeper love by the time they got a chance to acknowledge what they were to one another. Just a great story all around!

Assistant to the Villain Book 1: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 

Assistant to the Villain Book 1

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain#SocialReviews

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Evie is in desperate need of work so she can support her sick father and little sister. She just never expected to literally fall into the arms of her next employer. Or that her new boss would be the one known as The Villain. The evil guy causing all sorts of havoc in the kingdom. She is the assistant of The Villain…and she loves it. There is definitely more to her boss than meets the eye. And the more she gets to know him and those who are also in his employment, the more she believes that she is exactly where she belongs. And that maybe this villain isn’t so bad. Well, mostly. And when there seems to be a spy amongst their midsts, she’ll do whatever she can to help track them down. This story was actually quite hilarious. It’s definitely a more humor fantasy than anything else. What office humor would look like in a fantasy world. And Evie is hysterical. She’s clumsy, funny, sarcastic, smart, and just overall a really good person. I loved trying to guess what she was going to do or say next. Especially when it comes to The Villain. Oh, and his point of view scenes were so fantastic as well. I loved seeing his reactions to Evie. I’m sensing a bit of a slow burn forming for these two. Feelings are definitely there, but fully acting on them is doing to take a while is my guess. We have an interesting world and characters! I also thought we had a lot of fun twists in this story as well. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. 

Northern Roots Atlantic Book 4: Hollow Heart by Eve Holmes

 

Northern Roots Atlantic Book 4

Not everything that looks broken needs to be fixed — it just needs the right conditions to grow

Growing up on the red sand beaches and farm fields of Prince Edward Island, Silas Gallant and Levi Campbell were each other's whole world. They were best friends who understood each other in a way no one else ever could.

But as the easy freedom of childhood gave way to the weight of expectation, the life they shared slowly began to shift. Levi left the island to chase a future in agricultural technology and a world bigger than the fields he grew up in, while Silas stayed, rooted in the safety of his family's potato farm, and in the belief that people will always leave.

Years of silence and hurt pass before their distance closes, and Levi finds himself contracted to support a farm back on PEI. On the same red soil he once ran with his best friend. Old hurt lingers, turning familiarity into tension neither of them knows how to navigate — until slowly, they begin to let each other back in, and question if they ever truly split apart.

Among summer sunsets, red sand beaches, lighthouses, and open fields, Silas and Levi begin to find each other again — learning that they were never meant to stand on opposite sides of the same ground.

And that without each other, their hearts could never be whole.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250019349-hollow-heart

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I am obsessed with this series. Each book just gets better and better. I adored getting to know Levi and Silas. Their story begins as children. Two best friends who understood one another in ways many couldn’t. Especially for Silas who struggles in a number of ways but Levi has endless patience for his best friend. Their love story is a wonderful slow burn as these two grow up together and soon find themselves lost to one another as distance becomes their enemy. Then, Levi returns. And it’s time to repair the hurt and distance between them. And in doing so, they may just realize that this deep friendship of theirs can be so much more if they are brave enough to try. I loved these two. I couldn’t put this book down. This series is just filled with beautiful and complex characters. Their journeys in life can be rough at times but when they find the one they are meant to be by their side, they become so much stronger. I loved watching them overcome the obstacles that hold them back and come out the other side being exactly who they were meant to be. I loved seeing how Levi and Silas’s friendship may have had their obstacles and they had to find their way back to one another. And then when they do, they learn even more about themselves and who they could be together. A wonderful story. I couldn’t put it down!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.